Free School News

Since free schools first established their roots in the autumn of 2011, the programme has expanded and evolved. Comparing data from 2011 and 2018 highlights the changes that have taken place and what has remained constant.

Free Schools in the media

The Fermain Academy, opened in 2015 for pupils with behavioural and attendance problems, has achieved an Outstanding report from Ofsted. The free school, specifically set up to support children who struggle within mainstream education, was praised for their ‘impeccable’ behaviour and school leadership. Nic Brindle, headteacher, said: ‘It’s a cracking report. It’s the first inspection we’ve had so we are very pleased.’ He added that the next step is to become a example for all AP schools across the country.

Free Schools in the media

The staff and students at the City of London Academy, Highgate Hill will be playing their part in reducing the use of plastic by giving away water bottles, which will form part of the school’s uniform. When staff and students return from their summer holidays in September they will each be given a water bottle; this initiative will reduce the use of single use plastic and their carbon footprint.

On Wednesday 27th June, Cathedral Primary School (CPS) in Bristol welcomed leaders from open and pre-open free schools from around the country as part of a NSN Spotlight event. Located in the heart of Bristol, CPS provides opportunities for children to experience an outstanding, personalised and enriched education with a special emphasis on music.

On Thursday 26th April, Bilingual Primary School (BPS) in Brighton & Hove welcomed leaders from open and pre-open free schools around the country as part of a NSN Spotlight event. BPS opened in 2012 and currently has 460 children on role. When full, the school will maintain three-forms of entry from Reception through to Year 6. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2016, the school offers a Spanish-English curriculum at the cutting edge of bilingual education in the UK.

A coherent application

The Department for Education (DfE) explicitly asks that applicants ensure their vision is reflected across the whole of the application. Free school applicant groups often struggle to develop an application that is one coherent document. Instead applicants write a series of individual sections that lack consistency with each other and do not present clear vision for the school they are proposing. It can be difficult when different members of the team are responsible for different sections of the application.

Free Schools in the media

This project is part of the long term strategic plan for the Branston Locks area of Burton on Trent. With increased housing and a changing demographic, it became apparent that additional secondary places would be required to meet demand. In April 2017, John Taylor Multi Academy Trust was designated as sponsor for the school. The successful partnership between all stakeholders has been one of the key strengths of this Free School development.

“It is really exciting as this is a flagship school for the county, the investors and ourselves”

Free Schools in the media

Five students from Eden Boys’ School in Bolton tried out teaching as part of their work experience. The group gained valuable insight into the teaching profession during their time at the Olive School in Blackburn. The students helped train the school cricket team and accompanied them to the Lancashire Youth Games in Blackpool.